A lot of solo-base business people talk about the sense of isolation lately. When you’re in business, it’s important to recognize that your business needs ‘circulation’ as well. Your fears seem a lot bigger when you’re alone with the voices in your head.
I’ve been hearing a lot of solo-base business people talk about the sense of isolation lately.
It might have something to do with the weird weather patterns we’ve been experiencing. Rainy grayness doesn’t make you feel like going out much and can be a bit oppressive. But when you’re in business,
it’s important to recognize that your business needs ‘circulation’ as well.
Your fears seem a lot bigger when you’re alone with the voices in your head.
Sharing ideas with other solo business owners can be incredibly valuable for your business. Sometimes it’s like two old rusty pennies rubbing together. The both become bright again. Here are a few ideas and tips to get you out and spreading the pollen of your brilliance around the garden of business (I had to make the picture make sense…):
• Turn off the news! I say this a lot, but I really mean it. The media really likes to create sensation by talking about how bad things are. They’re not that bad – and you can’t really do much about it anyway – so focus on what you can do and turn off the constant barrage of negativeness. (I know that doesn’t seem like it fits because it’s not getting you out with others – but trust me – eliminating the negativity from your environment will go a long way towards lifting the feeling of isolation – just like the next tip…)
• Filter your contacts. Some people are just going to drag you down. They can’t find anything positive to contribute and they don’t want you to be optimistic either. When you’re working for yourself, you must guard the flame of your creativity very carefully. These people will blow your pilot light out.
• Seek out the innovators. There are so many brilliant people who are doing very cool things – right in your own community. Find them at MeetUps, Biznik, and right here at IASECP! Pick out someone that looks interesting, send them an email and ask them to tea. You can do it – it’s naturally fat free.
• Share ideas. I know it can be a bit scary reaching out to contact someone you don’t know so here’s a simple strategy. Look for someone who’s skills compliment your own. A great example is Elge Premeau from our spotlight this week. She specializes in internet marketing strategies. If you were a web designer, what a great contact. Email her and suggest sharing some ideas on ways to work together. Bam! You’ve made a valuable business contact, helped your clients, and maybe created a collaborative business relationship.
• Remember you’re not really alone. I know, you’re the only one there so it’s tempting to think you’re alone. But there are millions (literally) of us out here working through the same challenges. The “web” links us all together. I keep my Twitter feed up on my iGoolge page all the time. At any time, I can flip over there and see my peeps chatting away. I’ve got my email flowing in all the time plus – in a real emergency – I can pick up the phone. I frequently get calls from others in my community who just need an idea or two (I’m always a little amused that they call me, but whatever…). It’s OK to just pick up the phone and say I need to chat or some feedback. Go ahead…you can call me too.
• Take a break once in a while. This is why God invented dogs. You cannot – repeat CANNOT – feel isolated when you’re walking the dog. He’s wagging beside you; just thrilled there’s grass. People you pass cannot resist saying ‘hi’ to a dog (what is that?), so there’s contact. Plus…there’s air out there. Suck in some of it. Always helps.
• Change things up a bit. If you’re feeling stifled, maybe just shuffling what you’re working on and help mix things up a bit.
Maybe you need something a little more structured and regular.
• Masterminds. One of the most powerful business assets is a mastermind group. Get in one. Create one.
• Start a coffee clutch. Have a standing coffee/tea date one morning a week with a few people from your community.
• Create a Business Book Club. Arrange an evening each month that you get together with a group and discuss books that you’re reading and share what you’re learning.
• Make it a research group. Do the monthly group but this time agree that each month you’ll research a specific topic – like facebook ads – and share what you learn and your experiences.
• Give a talk. Speaking at events is a great way to gain exposure and build your business. It’s also a good way to get out of the isolation trap.
• Build it into your schedule. It’s important to you have contacts just like it’s important to eat right and exercise so make it an appointment.
• Be a window watcher. Especially right now as the weather is so changeable, when you see a little sun peak out get outside. I think a lot of the gloom that makes you feel isolated has to do with needing some sun.
I hope these help a little bit. The most important this is to remember that working for yourself is a lifestyle. You’re the only one that can determine what that lifestyle can be. So create what you want. My energy comes from the cool people that I partner with. They make it fun.
